by Cpl. Jill Miller, Marine Specialist, MI DNR Law Enforcement Division
If you are thinking of boating on Michigan waters, here are some safety tips I’d like to share before heading out. Always wear your life jacket. Accidents can happen at any time, so you need to be prepared. Life jackets float – you don’t. Of the people who drowned in a boating-related fatality, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Drowning is the cause of death in 75% of boating-related fatalities.
We always recommend having a sober operator. Alcohol/drug use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol use was the cause of 17% of deaths. Alcohol/drugs can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time, all these abilities are needed to operate a vessel on the water safety.
You always want to make sure your boat is properly equipped. It’s good to check your equipment before going out on the water. You want to make sure that it is all in good working condition. In addition to the legally required equipment such as personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers, a first-aid kit, marine radio, or cell phone is good to have with you. You want to make sure the navigation lights are working properly before heading out on the water.
When you are out on the water, you want to watch for other boats, swimmers, skiers, and objects in the water. This is especially important when operating in crowded waterways and at night or when visibility is restricted.
We always recommend taking a boater’s safety class. Those born on or after July 1, 1996, may legally operate a motorized boat over 6 horsepower only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it in their possession.